The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) PhD program is designed to prepare students as research leaders who drive innovation and advance the science of nursing. Building on a solid foundation of research and scholarship acquired at the bachelor’s, master’s, or DNP level, the PhD program deepens students' expertise and capacity for independent inquiry. Graduates are equipped to lead cutting-edge research across diverse settings, including private industry, healthcare systems, and research-intensive nursing schools affiliated with major academic health centers.
Our PhD program is delivered through a flexible hybrid model, allowing students to choose between two formats: traditional in-person instruction on campus or a fully online option via Zoom. Applicants select their preferred format upon admission but may switch between formats each semester to accommodate their needs. Students participating remotely join synchronous Zoom sessions alongside their in-person peers, fostering meaningful interaction, collaboration, and a cohesive classroom experience.
Pursuing your PhD at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing offers the opportunity to collaborate with faculty who bring a diverse range of research interests and expertise. Through individualized mentorship and strong peer support, our program fosters the growth of nurse scientists prepared to lead innovative research. To explore our faculty’s areas of focus and identify potential mentor matches, visit the Office of Nursing Research. Doctoral students may engage in a wide array of faculty-led research initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Management (i.e. cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer)
- Behavioral Health and Wellness
- Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
- Health Services and Policy Research
- Substance Use Harm Reduction
- Community Engaged Research
